LGBTQ+

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students

Merstham Park School is a fully inclusive school provides a quality education and experience for all its learners. Our Pastoral team, led by our Assistant Headteacher, works closely with all parents and students to ensure that appropriate provision is made for every student to understand, receive support and guidance on LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) issues. This includes support for individuals who may identify as being LGBTQ+ or support and education for individuals who are voicing homophobic or anti-LGBTQ+ views which are affecting other students.

The school will create a culture of respect for the diversity and breadth of the community, enabling everyone to participate in the life of the school. Parents of students with specific needs are encouraged to contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs L Strachan, or the students Learning Mentor to talk through their child’s individual needs, should they have any issues, questions or concerns.

Under the equality act 2010 any young person has a right to be addressed as whichever gender they identify as regardless of any diagnosis or medical intervention and irrespective of age.

Staff members have access to relevant e-learning relating to LGBTQ+ issues via Educare.

LGBTQ+ at Merstham Park

Our aim is to ‘usualise’ LGBTQ+ in every part of the school community. We feel very strongly that a whole-school integrated approach will enable staff and students to discuss LGBTQ+ openly and lead to the development of healthy views, opinions and use of language around LGBTQ+.

LGBTQ+ people are recognised and celebrated alongside LGBTQ+ equality through the ITP and PSHE programme, curriculum, student leadership, staff training, policy and the school environment. Both the ‘Educate & Celebrate’ and ‘Stonewall’ initiatives continue to support us to successfully eradicate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia permanently from our school and to make Merstham Park School officially LGBTQ+ friendly.

Humanities and PSHCE lessons

KS3 Exploring different kinds of rights and obligations

http://the-classroom.org.uk/lessons-and-resources/by-subject/citizenship/exploring-different-kinds-of-rights-and-obligations/

KS4 Perspective on LGB rights

http://the-classroom.org.uk/lessons-and-resources/by-subject/citizenship/schools-out-citizenship-lessons/ks5-citizenship-perspective-on-lgb-rights/

KS4 International Human Rights

http://the-classroom.org.uk/lessons-and-resources/by-subject/citizenship/schools-out-citizenship-lessons/ks4-citizenship-international-human-rights/

English

KS3 English Autobiography

http://the-classroom.org.uk/lessons-and-resources/by-subject/english-by-subject/ks3-english-autobiography/

KS3/4 Stereotypes and the Media

http://the-classroom.org.uk/lessons-and-resources/by-subject/english-by-subject/stereotypes-and-the-media/